Restoring the Upper Mississippi River at Lake Pepin: Phase 1
This project leverages more than $10 million in federal funds to begin implementation of a system-wide effort to improve game fish and waterfowl production in the Upper Mississippi River by improving 100 acres of floodplain forest and up to 1,000 acres of aquatic and wetland habitat at the upper end of Lake Pepin. Local partners are working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to mitigate habitat degradation caused by turbidity and excess sediment accumulating at the head of the lake. Project construction is anticipated to begin in 2020.
The Upper Mississippi River is impaired for turbidity (fine sediments) from the confluence with the Minnesota River to Lake Pepin. Continued deposition of these Minnesota sourced suspended solids has resulted in a lack of aquatic vegetation, poor invertebrate production, and reduced abundance of fish and wildlife. Deep protected aquatic areas that would serve as habitat for bluegill and other species, including walleye and sauger, is lacking in both the backwaters and within large open water areas of upper Lake Pepin.Working through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Beneficial Use of Dredge Material Program, the Corps will create/enhance islands and isolated wetlands, protect banks, and create deeper water in protected areas. The expected outcomes of these features include an increase in the habitat sustainability index for ducks by at least 0.25, an increase in the average annual habitat units by a net gain of 250, restored floodplain and wetland plant communities, enhanced public access, decreased suspended solid concentrations, and more natural sediment transport and deposition. Priorities for the upper end of Lake Pepin have been established as part of a collaborative effort among state and federal agencies in the 5-state region of the Upper Mississippi River. More localized habitat objectives correspond to the Pierce County Islands Wildlife Management Plan, approved by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Though the state line at the upper end of Lake Pepin is adjacent the Minnesota shoreline, and thus the initial project is located in Wisconsin, the benefits of productive fish and wildlife habitats accrue equally to citizens of both Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Minnesota DNR will remain highly involved in the planning and monitoring phases. We recognize that the threshold in which habitat restoration at the head of Lake Pepin becomes cost-prohibitive is fast approaching. The current fishery is still robust, but there are concerns productivity is decreasing as sediment and turbidity impacts have long-term effects. This project is expected to restore productivity to historic levels for the next 50 years.We realize the long-term sustainability of this project is dependent on continuing upstream sediment source reductions, however, not beginning the restoration of Lake Pepin will seriously impair Minnesotans’ ability to enjoy fishing, hunting, and boating in this singularly unique reach of the Mississippi River. Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance is coordinating and administering the 35% non-federal cost-share funds for project partners, while the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources remains the official non-federal sponsor. Support for the project is widespread, with on-going involvement from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Audubon MN, Ducks Unlimited, and local municipalities, alongside support from the National Wildlife Federation, the Minnesota Conservation Federation, the Red Wing Wildlife League, the Frontenac Sportsmen Club, and the Lake City Sportsmen Club.
$750,000 the first year is to the commissioner of natural resources for an agreement with the Lake Pepin Legacy Alliance to restore and enhance wildlife habitat on public lands in Lake Pepin and the adjacent floodplain. A list of proposed restorations and enhancements must be provided as part of the required accomplishment plan.
Large corridors and complexes of biologically diverse wildlife habitat typical of the unglaciated region are restored and protected - Lake Pepin represents a significant corridor of open space and habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals. In addition to the monitoring and adaptive management plan established as part of the final report within the feasibility study, the project area will be regularly sampled as part of the U.S. Geological Survey’s Long-Term Resource Monitoring Program.
The aforementioned indicator species will be used as a measure of success for bottomland hardwood forest restoration, wetland restoration, overwintering habitat, and water clarity and aquatic vegetation. .
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers